First Reading1 Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59
From the First Book of Maccabees
36But Judas and his kindred said,“Behold, our enemies are defeated.Let’s go up to cleanse the holy placeand to rededicate it.”37All the army was gathered together,and they went up to mount Zion.
verses 38–51 are not read52They rose up early in the morning,on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month,which is the month Chislev,in the one hundred forty eighth year,53and offered sacrifice according to the law on the new altar of burnt offeringswhich they had made.54At the time and day the Gentiles had profaned it,even then it was dedicated with songs,harps, lutes, and with cymbals.55All the people fell on their faces,worshiped, and gave praise toward heaven,which had given them good success.56They celebrated the dedication of the altar eight days,and offered burnt offerings with gladness,and sacrificed a sacrifice of deliverance and praise.57They decorated the front of the temple with crowns of gold and small shields.They dedicated the gates and the priests’ chambers,and made doors for them.58There was exceedingly great gladness among the people,and the reproach of the Gentiles was turned away.
59Judas and his kindredand the whole congregation of Israel ordainedthat the days of the dedication of the altar should be kept in their seasons from year to year for eight days,from the twenty-fifth day of the month Chislev,with gladness and joy.